How JLR is Using Tech to Charge Its EVs With Renewable Power

Electric vehicles have captured an impressive market share in recent years, accounting for more than 20% of global car sales in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Yet, as research from McKinsey shows, consumers remain concerned about the efficiency of EV chargers.

In response to these challenges, JLR has started a partnership with the smart EV charging platform ev.energy in a collaboration that is set to give a boost to both the sustainability and affordability of EV charging experiences for JLR’s clientele.

The companies are conducting a pilot programme in the UK, incorporating ev.energy’s advanced software into 10 electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.

The software is designed to intelligently integrate with JLR’s connected vehicle platform, enabling charge scheduling during grid-friendly times and prioritising renewable energy sources for those participating in the scheme.

Following this pilot, JLR is hoping to expand the programme across the UK, US and EU.

Technological innovation

Swarna Ramanathan, JLR’s Chief Strategy Officer, says: “Our work with ev.energy is testament to the power of corporate-scale-up collaboration in unlocking fresh ideas to solve some of our industry’s biggest challenges.

"Together, we are designing and deploying a smart charging solution that will meet our luxury clients’ expectations.

"It will support the transition to electrification through the efficient use of energy, with a view to reducing pressure on the grid and lowering costs for users.”

Located in London, ev.energy is a software platform established in 2018, specialising in the management of electric vehicle charging.

The platform aims to seamlessly connect EVs to grid infrastructures, making charging more streamlined, eco-friendly and cost-efficient.

ev.energy's tech uses an end-to-end approach, managing power requirements by charging its vehicles at times when grid capacity is most favourable.

To date, ev.energy has partnered with more than 55 utility companies worldwide, focusing on intelligently managing the timing and flow of charging-related energy consumption.

Nick Woolley, CEO & Co-Founder of ev.energy, says: ‘’This initiative is a prime example of how an automaker and a software provider can work collaboratively to deliver a convenient, high-quality proposition, support the uptake of EVs and alleviate grid pressures to make charging cost-effective.  

Strategic collaborations

JLR’s investment through InMotion Ventures in ev.energy underscores its broader Innovation Strategy, which seeks to catalyse the development of new technologies through strategic collaborations with pioneering companies.

For instance, JLR has joined forces with Allye Energy to co-develop portable battery energy storage solutions using second-life PHEV batteries.

Similarly, through its portfolio company Cesium Astro, JLR is working on advancing in-car connectivity solutions.

AI and autonomous driving are also big areas of interest for JLR going forward.

The motoring giant has teamed up with Google's subsidiary Waymo to advance autonomous Jaguar I-PACE vehicles and has a strategic cooperation with AI leader Nvidia.

JLR's partnership with NVIDIA began in 2022, focusing on the joint development of automated and AI-enhanced driving services.

From 2025, all new models of Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar will incorporate the Nvidia DRIVE AI-defined platform, using Nvidia's advanced data centre solutions for cloud integration and NVIDIA DRIVE Orin within its vehicles.

The future of driving

Nvidia’s Founder and CEO, Jensen Huang, emphasises the transformative potential of these advancements.

“Next‑generation cars will transform automotive into one of the largest and most advanced technology industries," he says.

"Fleets of software‑defined, programmable cars will offer new functionalities and services for the life of the vehicles.

"We are thrilled to partner with Jaguar Land Rover to reimagine the future of transportation and create the most advanced cars.”

Through these collaborations, JLR is poised to redefine the architecture of transportation, amplifying the technological capabilities and efficiency across its range of electric vehicles.